Guides

In Trinidad and Tobago, there are established channels to address the victim experience which provides restitution and recovery from the victimization event (in most cases). These avenues are predominantly within the criminal justice system. Civil society also provides services to assist victims with the provision of tangible goods and counselling services.  

Upon commission of a criminal offense:

• Police

To investigate and lay official report

• Social services

To mitigate damage through assistance to victims/ co-victims. This include grants for repairs, disability, rental and utility payments in dire circumstances.  

• National Insurance Services

To mitigate damage through assistance to victims/ co-victims. NIS provides a benefit to te sick, injured, incapacitated and surviving families/ dependents (under 18 years). NIS also gives a funeral grant (once the deceased has minimum 25 contributions).  

• Criminal injuries compensation 

To award victims and co-victims financial redress for event. This fund was set up specifically to provide compensation to persons suffering due to violence /victimization.  

• Courts

Deliver justice in the matter.The courts are mandated to provide to victims justice in legal matters. The prosecutors` office provide information and opportunities for victims to have their say in the public courts of Trinidad and Tobago. 

• Victim services

Deliver support services to victims and co-victims of crime.